Revit® and AutoCAD® have similar functions. As anyone can sometimes substitute one for the other, it’s not unusual to think they are competing programs with similar functions.
Both programs are different, and in this article, we’ll tell you several differences between both.
What Are They?
When you mention software packages used in architecture or engineering, you’ll seldom call four packages without mentioning Revit or AutoCAD. Yet, most software users are not aware that both products are from the same provider.
Both Revit® and AutoCAD® are two different software applications developed by Autodesk®. They assist architects and engineers in creating images and features in 2D and 3D.
What Is Revit®?
Revit® is a 3-dimensional designing software. Revit® was first launched in 2000 by its mother organization, Revit Technology Corporation. In 2002, Autodesk purchased the software from RVC.
Revit®, aside from creating 3D structures, can help users model interactions in a design form. Since the software uses BIM and 3D, it is most often used in the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and design of new buildings.
Significant Characteristics of Using Revit®
- Revit® uses 3D and BIM tools to design new buildings
- Reduce design and construction time
- It’s easy to modify, update, and share 3D models
- Clashes between components in a design are easy to detect
- Revit® has an interface that permits you to view and easily make changes
What Is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD® is a 2D designing software. It was developed and released in 1982 by Autodesk. With AutoCAD, engineers, architects, and designers can create, view, and edit existing designs.
AutoCAD® was made in a way that architects and engineers can preserve some parts of their designs on the cloud for later use. This eases the designs you have to do over time. Also, since you can save these designs on the cloud, sharing your designs is easier. The novel 3D modeling and visualization features of the program allow you to see different perspectives of your design. That way, you get better results. This feature may require a 3D printing service too.
Significant Characteristics of AutoCAD®
- A flexible interface to change designs and an auto-specification feature
- You can edit or re-edit
- AutoCAD® can create planes to assist in viewing the 3D images.
- With AutoCAD®, you can change, develop, and supervise projects.
- You can restructure or edit 2D images to 3D
- You can exchange data between AutoCAD® and other Spreadsheet applications.
- Presence of SHF text recognition tool with which you can convert SHF fonts into text
- Ease of importing PDF files from other applications
Revit® Vs. AutoCAD®: How Are They Different?
Although they have intersecting functions, both software programs have several differences. These differences are explained further below.
1. Pattern of Design Creation
AutoCAD® creates its design individually. For instance, to create a complex house pattern, you have to lay each design line by line. When you have to make modifications, you edit them individually too. With AutoCAD®, you focus on one challenge at a time.
This pattern of individual modification is more beneficial to a newbie designer. For some professionals, it’s frustrating and time-consuming.
Revit®, on the other hand, creates designs simultaneously.
2. Type of Software
Revit® uses BIM (Building Information Modelling), a 3D modeling program that’s used to design or assemble components in a 3D space. AutoCAD uses CAD (Computer Aided Design) which is mainly a 2D program. However, it can perform a few tasks in 3D.
3. Updating Corrections
When using AutoCAD®, not only do you need to make more frequent updates. You also need to effect the changes across all boards individually. Worse, you can miss updating a setting, and this can make your efforts futile. Quite frankly, this can be daunting and time-consuming.
With Revit®, you only need to effect the corrections once, and all associated effects are immediately updated. Here, you don’t need to worry about not updating a setting as the software “auto-updates.”
4. System Requirements
Revit® is the more demanding software. You need the maximum OS, processing speed, and storage space for the software to function properly. It’s also more expensive as you need to spend frequently on internet connection to use the program.
On the other hand, AutoCAD® requires less. With even Windows 7 and a processing speed of 2.5 GHz, you are good to go.
5. Operating System Compatibility
Revit® is currently only compatible with higher versions of Windows OS. AutoCAD® can function well with either Windows OS or even macOS.
6. User Experience
Revit® is the better choice of the two when you want to make large and complicated designs. Revit® software is more complex due to its additional design properties. So, unless you are a pro in this, navigating through the software for the first time may be difficult.
AutoCAD® has a more friendly user interface, so it gives a better user experience.
7. Image Dimensions
The AutoCAD® tool allows you to draw accurate 2D lines. However, these lines, because they’re in 2D, may have no attached information to them.
Revit® works a bit differently. Rather than drawing lines as seen in AutoCAD, you build a 3D design made entirely of 3D components. And because Revit® images are in 3-dimensions, they look more realistic.
8. Ease of Learning
Although several users report learning both to be difficult, learning Revit® is more difficult. Revit® is more complex as it contains additional features and plug-ins.
Although you need rigorous training to learn how they both work, you need much more training to understand and fully utilize Revit.
9. Stability
Revit® is quite complex, so a large or corrupt file can cause a frequent collapse of software. Also, fixing bugs may not be easy due to its complexity. Revit may be slower with smaller computers, too.
AutoCAD® is the more stable software. Bugs are rarely found in the program. Also, the developers update the software often, so it’s less likely to crash.
10. Real-Time Processing
Every component of Revit® has real-time metadata. You can use this data throughout the lifetime of your designed building, hence, the reason it inculcates the Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool. AutoCAD® lacks this tool.
11. Pricing
Your use of either of the software is subscription-based. AutoCAD® is cheaper. Revit® is more expensive, but really, it’s worth the price in every way.
12. Applications
Both design software are used in architecture, construction, engineering, and machining industries. However, AutoCAD® is more dynamic, so its use is more widespread. It’s used in interior and fashion design, electronics, aerospace, electronics, and so on, in addition to the ones mentioned above.
The difference between both software can be summarized in a simple sentence: While AutoCAD® excels in drawing and expressing your creativity, Revit® is geared towards a fixed object design and analysis.
Conclusion
Both AutoCAD® and Revit® are powerful designing tools every designer must equip themselves with. When you use them well, they’ll be efficient. The key to maximizing the use of both is to recognize the unique functions of one over the other.
FAQs
Is it Possible to Convert a Revit file to AutoCAD?
Sure, you can. You can convert files from Revit to AutoCAD or vice versa.
To change a Revit file to AutoCAD, export your choice file as a DWG (AutoCAD Drawing) or DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) file.
Do I Need Different Licenses to Use Both Software Simultaneously?
Yes, you need different licenses as they are different software. Using both can be quite expensive though. So, you can just go for the tool that combines both.
